Can you help me? I'm trying to get an exciting new project off the ground called "The Go for Souls Experiment." I cant say too much about it just yet but you will want to be in on it. If you are in Melbourne I need you. I'm looking at doing something involving evangelizing every day (including street preaching, good test, healing, prophetic evangelism etc) and need some people to help out. If you can help out one day a week, or an afternoon or morning once a week let me know... (reelbigjimmy@hotmail.com)
-----
Don't forget to poll your answer on whether you believe Jesus raises the dead or not. So far the people of faith are winning 14-4...
-----
What holds you back from evangelism? Ive heard lots of reasons from fear of what people might think to "I would but I have no idea what to say." Well heres my response for today. Give your whole life to God, He will make you holy if you do, then because you are controlled by love it will drive fear away. (Perfect love drives out all fear 1 John 4:18) All your selfishness will disappear and because that experience is so good you will want to tell people about it. Don't forget that we in The Salvation Army believe that if you believe you have the witness in yourself and listen to what Peter has to say, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

First up, INSANE is going to be insane! Its a bug youth get together at the beginning of next year! Its going to be huge. If you want to donate money or help out somehow talk to 2love at THQ. But what we all should do is start praying for it! We want to see heaps of youth get saved! PRAY IT UP!




-------------

Read this in my devotions today... It made me think because I am sure there have been times I have fallen into a couple of these categories, and it confirms my thoughts that we as the church should be a bit stricter and not so afraid of expelling the immoral brothers...

"I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Cor 5

I've been in corps where the people in charge know there is dodgy stuff going on but they turn a blind eye because its 'none of their business...' I wonder what my life and the lives of others would look like if we were expelled for being consistently immoral... I wonder how many Officers, pastors, leaders etc have been obedient to this passage in recent times.

Also, its wise to read Matthew 18:15-17, 2 cor 2:5-8, 2 Thess 3:14-15, Titus 3:10

-----------------
About the so called art that is really porn. I just heard a politician on the news saying that he doesn't think that police should be raiding art galleries. My response is this, "Artists shouldn't be taking photos of nude 12-13 yr old girls."

Hollywood and God

Check out this link! Its a very interesting site that on a topic we should all have a think about! Make sure check out the video that is there!

<

Also check out http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ I love thir website. Check out the witnessing clips to see how they do it and you will learn how to witness to people about hell, sin and judgment without offending but appealing to their conscience! It works as I have blogged before... Now, learn from the masters...

STAY OR GO?

Imagine this, You've been working for years and years. Your body has been damaged, your relationships have suffered, you haven't made much money, your life has been about working. But then all of a sudden you see the end of the tunnel, you see that by a mans gift to you, you can live like a King in a mansion. Every tear will be wiped away, you can live in peace, not having to worry about anything. You can be in paradise! And then you say, no thanks, not yet, the work I am doing is more important for this time...

What would you do? If you were taken to Paradise right now would you want to come back? If you could escape all your fears, worries, concerns, struggles, pain, enemies etc would you choose to stay here or go on? Why?

Paul gives us this testimony, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

Paul saw something that we only say we believe. He saw that if people did not have Jesus then they were destined to spend eternity in the lake of fire. He was consumed with this compassion for the lost, he didn't want anyone to go to hell. So his life reflected that longing. He decided that staying in the body was important for other peoples salvation.

I know for myself that I know alot of the stuff about salvation, grace, faith, heaven and hell. Its easy, most Christians know that you need Jesus to be saved. But how many of us are filled with enough compassion to do something about it? How many of us structure our lives on trying to lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus?

Are you waiting for heaven or are you ready to fight for the Salvation of the world?

Red Shield Slogans

I had a great time today doing some intersection collecting. (collecting at traffic lights) I had a guy give some money who we helped at Family Support during the week. I was able to talk to him last week so when I remembered him I think he appreciated it. It was great to see him putting back in after we helped him in a hard time.

It was also a great opportunity to tell people about Jesus and I challenge anyone to use one of these tiny phrases that can change their world. I was using them today and I pray that God will be able to use them somehow...

"God bless you" This gives God a chance to bless them and hopefully they will see the link between their blessing and my bless...

"Jesus saves" This does something in the spiritual realm, and it also tells them a simple truth that will cause them to think or even react

"Jesus heals" This gets them thinking about the people they know who needs healing, maybe even them self, they may pray or look into Christian healing

"God loves you" Very simple way of telling people God loves them. Even something small like that can mean alot to people... Imagine someone who's life is on the rocks, not sure where they're going or if they want to live, then they hear "God loves you." Ive seen it before, and a simple message like that can put enough doubt in ones mind to stop them from killing them self... Or think about a single mum who hears shes loved and appreciated.... Priceless... Theres dozens more!

Lets use every opportunity to get people saved over this weekend! So much potential. Are you willing?

Also, does anyone know where deficit funding for corps comes from? Does anyone know how much or if any red shield money go towards corps..? I have heard some rumors which I dont like but they seem pretty legit... email me reelbigjimmy@hotmail.com and maybe expect a blog on that at a later date...

Christian Malpractice

What is more loving? To not tell people about sin hell and judgment and to have a nice chat to them, eventually building a relationship with them, then after a while begin to talk about how Jesus saves? OR to tell people, to warn people of their choices and to encourage them to accept Gods grace?

Watch this video, its in response to the nooma video Bullhorn...



What do you think?

Art or porn?

Bill Henson was suppose to be having an opening night for his range of photos at the Roslyn Oxley gallery in Paddington tonight, but he is under investigation for porn and pedophilia and the opening night has been canceled due to public pressure. His latest range of photos show 12-13 year old girls completely naked in different poses. Henson says his work mainly deals with adolescence. And there is a debate at the moment whether this is art or porn.

What sort of world are we living in when someone can take photos of young naked girls and get away with it because its called art? Are we now to call pretty porn art just because of the man who took the photos? What will be next? Where will this logic lead? How many young girls will be used and abused in the name of art if this is allowed? Why is there any debate at all? Naked 12-13 year olds photographed equals porn to me.

Thank God that people caught whiff of this before the opening night, made some complaints leading to the closure of his opening night and that he is now under investigation. Lets pray for justice. Lets choose not to degrade young girls and lets make a noise if we have to because nothing is worth the abuse of young girls.

Chuck Norris

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants. There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live. You may know him better as Walker Texas Ranger. That show went on for 8 series picking up the 1998 Epiphany award for the best Christian program. Or You may also know him as a 6 year undefeated middle weight Karate champion of the world. But when asked what he wanted to be remembered for he said his humanitarian work.

What you probably don't know is that there are a string of charities he has promoted, worked for and even started up. He is also a motivational speaker for many Christian ministries, such as T.D. Jakes Ministry, Trinity Broadcasting, and Bill Glass Crusade. He also has a new book out about his life and faith which you can buy at Koorong or Word bookstore.

It just goes to show that you can be great in a number of fields but what separates Norris from the rest is his humanitarian work done in the name of Jesus Christ. Norris is showing the world that a Jesus follower can be great at different fields of work, but the fame and fortune is not the number one thing on his list, helping people is. Good on ya Chuck, love ya work!

Community Evangelism

As a youth worker I am always thinking about how to reach as many youth as possible to win them for Christ. There are a few different ways that different youth groups go about reaching the lost and I am not satisified with them!

1) Entertainment - This is the type of youth group I was brought up in. We would gather as a group to have fun, to be entertained. There would be little to no mention of Jesus, the gospel or an opportunity for people to be saved. The aim is to have fun and invite them to the next program that is more gospel friendly. This form of youth group is very common especially amongst small youth groups. Community is forged through fun and with relationships one day someone might talk to them about the gospel.

2) Worship - This type of youth group revolves around a worship meeting where you simply go to a meeting to worship God and hear someone preach. You are to bring your friends to worship and the aim is that the power of God would touch them during an often emotional appeal. The gospel is preached and opportunity is given to be saved. In this method people are asked to come into a new community then stay in that community then leave it to bring more friends back. The focus of these is to get an individual saved. This method is quite common in larger groups.

The problem I have with these is that they both focus on getting the individual saved. They focus on a one person at a time theory. They both work to some extent but they have hurdles of having to change communty to be a Christian. They are both focussed on getting people into new community.

I hate that. I see in the gospels and in Acts, in the early church, early salvos, and Chineese church, not just one or two people getting saved but communities. I hate that we rip people out of one community and try to make a new community. I only understand that if we are dealing with people with absolutely no community at all. But for the majority people are in some form of community. I would much rather get communities saved than just one person at a time.

So, Im looking for ways of reaching communities and not just individuals. What do you guys reckon?

hell

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 11-15)

We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked. (Salvation Army doctrine 11)

It always amazes me that people dont believe in the doctrine of hell and punishment, the place where people go who are guilty of sin and have not accepted the grace of God in Jesus Christ. I'm not sure how people deal with issues of justice if people here on Earth can do what they like, live relatively easy and get away with sin. That does not make a holy and just a judge to me. As for me, I believe sin leads to death, condemnation and hell. I also believe if you repent of your sin, and believe in Jesus you will be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and you will be saved.

GOD SAVES

We heard a great testimony this morning from an older guy in the Corps about how God has saved him time and time again in the lead up to him being eternally saved. One that stands out is that he was driving along a highway and a car pulled out of a side street and hit him side on to the other side of the road where a truck was coming. He froze yet somehow the car turned and got out of the way of the truck. He said there was no way it could have happened but it did. He went on to testify that God is great and he shared how he was led to salvation!

Now, we can sit here and argue about if it was really God or not, I believe it was and the man testifying believes it was, but that is not the point. The point is that God saves. God has been in the business of saving people all through out history, from Noah through Israel, Saul etc all through the years to you. God can save you from hell, depression, unforgiveness, bitterness, evil habits, addiction, pain and hurt, and anything else that is not of God. Jesus saves.

When you are with your friends and family today, remember that Jesus saves. Look at your friends and family, listen to their hurts, and once you see how they are struggling tell them that Jesus saves! Tell them that Jesus is the answer to every problem because He is the God that saves! Worship God today because He saves!

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

Jesus Speaks

Yesterday was great. Me and a friend got to preach it really hard to one of the guys from the school. We did some listening prayer which I thought was very telling.

We went through some Scripture that says that God speaks to us. "Call to me and I will answer you" (Jer 33:3) "My sheep will hear my voice" (John 10:27) and " "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" (Matthew 7:9)

I then told him to imagine his happy place. A place where it was peaceful. Then we asked Jesus to speak to us and hold His promise that He speaks. Then we invited Jesus into the picture and we began to ask Jesus different questions. At the end the guy from the school told us he didn't hear anything. So I asked him where Jesus was in his picture. He then told me that Jesus was off in the distance!

So we were able to speak to him and tell him about Jesus who wants us to hear him, but we need to get close to Jesus to hear his voice. That will continue to be the challenge we give him, come to Jesus. Please pray for him that he will have the courage to break out of his comfort zone and run to Jesus.

As for you, what is God saying to you at the moment? Don't know? Perhaps one of the things you need to do is get close to Him...

Jesus and Religious folk

As Ive been reading the gospels over the last couple of weeks I am again reminded of the huge amount of opposition Jesus faced from the religious people. He had all sorts of attacks thrown at Him. People didn't like His message or His methods. Time after time people would tell Him off, accuse Him of heresy, of being controlled by demons and the list would go on.

It amazes me how Jesus dealt with these religious people. He just told them how it was and called them to faith and repentance. He wouldn't take a backward step. Not only that He was very sure that if they didn't do those things they would be condemned, so He told them that as well.

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "

- Jesus (luke 13)

Think of how we can apply this to our ministry today...

Salvofice?

Watch the DVD "Mama Heidi." I watched it last night and was blown away. Its about a lady who is a missionary serving in orphanages in Mozambique. They help thousands of kids in all sorts of different ways. The DVD shows stories of kids who now have a future, the violence of the country, the grace of God for salvation and healing.

Many would say the trademark of her ministry is the healing and miracles, but I believe the trademark of her ministry is her unconditional loving giving. I'm not talking about money, although she does that as well, but the way she gives of herself.

Coming into Red Shield Appeal time, I wonder how much we Salvationists give. We covenant to give as much as we can. And The Salvation Army gives to alot of people! But what about us personally? Is our giving sacrifice? Or is it salvofice?

If you want to borrow the DVD or watch it with me let me know, its really worth it...

Holiness

"Holiness is a state in which there is no anger, malice, blasphemy, hypocrisy, envy, love of ease, selfish desires for good opinion of men, shame of the Cross, worldiness, deceit, debate, contention, covetousness, nor any evil desire or tendency in the heart." (Brengle)

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." (Galatians 5:16-17)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:22-26)

Did you catch that? Holiness is possible. It is expected. We can't do it on our own. But by Jesus death and resurrection we can. By the filling of the Holy Spirit we can. And I can testify that sinful habits that I've had, the ones I thought I could never get rid off have fallen off me. Instead of having a sinful heart my heart has been turned to love.

If you are still sinning today God can change that. We cannot do it on our own. But thats the whole reason why Jesus died and rose again. He defeated sin on the cross. Why not enforce that victory upon your own life today? Ask God to show you your sin. Repent and renounce. Devote all of your life to Him. Believe God has done it. Then testify that He has done it!

There's freedom in the name of Jesus!

Miracle Jesus

It always amazes me how confessing Christians say they believe Jesus use to heal people but doesn't anymore. How do you justify that position? The only way I know how you could possibly justify that position is to say that He never did them.

However Josephus, a Jewish historian of the time of Jesus says this, "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles."

Even to Josephus, a Jew who did not believe in Jesus spoke about the wonderful works he did.

Long time no blog! Since the last blog I started up a new boys group that is awesome! We had such a good time and I can see how we will be able to preach the gospel to them in a relative way. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
-----
I was listening to an old sermon last night and he was asking are you a Christian or a disciple of Jesus? Interesting question that I think we all need to ask ourselves. Are we doing the Christian thing, church, Bible, a bit of prayer, good morals etc, or are we pressing into Christ? Are we a disciple? Someone who follows Jesus, listens to Him, watches Him, and obeys Him? A disciple is someone who is turning into their master. A disciple of Jesus is radical. They are different to the world. They are revolutionaries set on changing the world... Interesting thought. Which one are you?
-----
Pentecost Sunday yesterday on Mothers day. Did your corps celebrate both or just mothers day or just Pentecost? We did Mothers Day, we mentioned Pentecost but are going to do it more thoroughly on another day. We had a good, clear gospel presentation. There were definitely people moved by it but I didn't see any visible signs of commitment. I do pray that the seed planted would grow though... I didn't mind doing the mothers day thing as we were doing what Pentecost was all about, preaching the good news. So I guess we did have a Pentecost meeting by preaching Jesus raised from the dead...

Priesthood of all believers

I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

(Genesis 12)

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you ^[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'

(Exodus 19)

These two passages are foundational missional texts. They both say that God wants to bless us to bless others. It says that everyone is suppose to be involved in mission.

To Abram he says he will bless him to bless others. If you are saved, you are saved to save. How many people are you actively trying to lead to the Lord at the moment?

To the Israelites God says you will all be a holy go between people. If you are saved are you still sinning? If you are sinning you are not holy. Are you the go between for the people you know who do not yet know God? Are you interceding for them?

God has commanded us to be His people here on Earth. We cannot stand by and do nothing. We can not keep busy by doing 'good' things. We need to be actively involved in leading people to Christ, interceding on their behalf and we need to be holy. These are not suggestions and it is not simply advice. To read these texts and do nothing about it is to disobey God.

As this challenges me and impacts the way I live, I pray that it will impact you too to get involved in Gods saving plan for planet Earth.

The dead are raised

I've had some great chats today with different people...

Heres a story from a friend of mine when he was a pastor... He was preaching and an old lady died. This is funny because he can preach for long times. But anyway, they took her out the back into the prayer room. Two nurses from the congregation (one who worked in palative care) came out and checked her out. After examining her they pronounced her dead. So they called the ambulance. Then one man from the congregation came to see what was going on. "She's passed away." They told him. He said, "I wont allow that!" He put his arms around her and said "Come alive in Jesus name." He put her back down and she woke up. This happend in Melbourne for all the skeptics out there and no we dont have medical reports because they acted as soon as the issue rose...

At the time he said that the Holy Spirit stuff was all new to him and he had no idea what was going on half the time. He wasn't even the person who prayed for her and he was the pastor. So 1) Holy Spirit stuff is messy 2) Dont stress if you dont know whats happening its part of the chaos 3) God can use you even if you're not sure whats going on! 4) God raised Jesus from the dead, and He still does the same thing today!
-------
I also learnt of someone who sometimes gets in the line of fire for me. Thanks if you're reading this! I appreciate it!
-------
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40 (2 seconds before Lazarus is raised fom the dead!)

hmmm

Check out http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com for a different view on many of the people seen today as prophets. There is some good stuff there, it will make you think. I dont agree with all of it but it is good to be warned by someone who backs things up in some way...
-----
Heres a couple of revolution projects I'm trying to get up... Let me know if you want in, even if you dont live anywhere near here. Our idea is to have a movement of people doing mission. What we want to do is teach, equip and empower people.

- A team of people to pray for words of knowledge, prophecy and healing at new age fairs and other relevant places

- A team of committed internet evangelists using msn, facebook and myspace (and anything else you can think of) to share the gospel of Jesus

- A team of committed prophetic prayer warriors to form an advisory board/prayer and prophecy network of sorts for the movement...

- A string of Holy Ghost parties where we simply worship God and see if He has anything to say to us through visions, manifestations, prophecy

There are heaps of ideas, what are you going to sign up to and what can you add to the list of revolutionary things we can do?
-----
Ive started reading John again. It popped out today how Jesus commanded the use to be paralyzed man to take up his mt even though it was against the law to do so. Jesus didn't care. Jesus acted with pure, love intentions that made it ok to defy the law. It is by Jesus love that He fulfills the law and creates a new covenant...

My life must be Christ's broken bread,
My love his outpoured wine,
A cup overfilled a table spread,
Beneath his name and sign,
That other souls, refreshed and fed,
May share his life through mine.
- Albert Osborn

I like The Salvationist view on sacrament that the communion has more to do with living than with actual bread and wine. I saw something interesting the other day as I was reading the Lords supper in Mark. Jesus speaks about how the wine and bread are His blood and body, at the same time Jesus said that the one who would betray him was the one who dipped his piece of bread in the bowl at the same time as Jesus...

Is it fair to say that we need to take on the bread and wine and not just dip into it? If we simply dip into the blood and sacrifice of Jesus how sure is our Salvation? What sort of life are we living? Judas could only dip in and he ended up betraying Jesus. So heres a warning, (whether my exegesis is any good or not) go the whole way with God or you risk living on a tight rope, about to fall off at any moment, or your a shopping trolley at the top of the hill, at any time the possibility of slipping down the slippery slope to hell.
-----
Anon keeps his record with warning us against false prophets. Im glad there are some people out there who like to warn. I think we need to look at the fruit of whats happening though... This taken from Patricia King discussing whether Lakeland is a revival or not...

"Just in case you do like a bit of analysis, lets take out our measuring stick and measure what is going on in Lakeland:

1. The Lord is being praised and worshipped.
2. The Word is preached.
3. The Gifts of the Spirit are flowing.
4. Miracles and healings are manifesting.
5. The Supernatural (angelic visitation, presence of Jesus, fragrances, glory presence) is being experienced.
6. Many souls are being saved (both in the meeting and on the streets).
7. Deliverances.
8. Conviction and repentance.
9. The dead are raised.
10. Lots of refreshment and joy.
11. Spreading worldwide like an unstoppable fire.
12. Major generosity. "
    

-------
I'm going to judge by the fruit.

Simple Evangelism

Exposing 2 lies the devil gives to confuse evangelism

I travel around a bit and love to speak to youth about evangelism. I’ve even done some surveys and I have found that people believe a lot of lies. The devil lies to us and tells us that we don’t have a good testimony to tell and he lies to us that we are not good enough to be an evangelist. I have found that these two lies hinder the work of youth in evangelisation, and I hope that by addressing them we will be able to evangelise better.

The first lie is that our testimony is boring, or that it’s not good enough. John has something different to say though, “Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart… and this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:10-12

As I was growing up I always wanted to have a better testimony, I wanted the testimony of the guy who used to be a drunk but got saved and was made sober. I wanted that complete life change that everyone spoke about. But little did I know that my testimony was just as good. I had grown up in a Christian family, my parents were missionaries. I didn’t really every go off the rails. I didn’t really have anything exciting to say.

I find that youth are the same as me. We want a good story to tell. But John says that our testimony is not when we had a glory fit, slain in the Spirit, delivered from addiction, rather our testimony is that if we believe in Jesus we are saved. Now, all those things that happen to us are good things and we can testify about them. But John brings us back to the start. Our testimony is that Jesus is alive. He has risen from the dead and if we believe in Him we have the testimony.

So often we get caught up in the lie that our testimony is not good enough. But really our testimony is amazing. Jesus rose from the dead, and if you believe in Him you will be saved! Our testimony is 2000 years old. It’s the same testimony as the guy who was possessed and miraculously set free. Jesus saves.

Don’t listen to the devils lie that your testimony is no good. Our testimony is good. Jesus died and rose again, if we believe we are saved!

The second lie is that we are not good enough to lead someone to Christ. The amount of emails I have had about this in incredible. As I speak to youth they always seem to say “I don’t know what to say” or “I’m not good enough, I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” These are all lies.

Let’s look at Paul. He was the evangelists to the gentiles. This is what He said about His ministry. “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power”. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Can you believe that? Paul says that he didn’t preach with fancy words, or great wisdom, he was weak, fearful and trembling! So many youth I know are terrified of the thought of evangelising. I remember when I use to go out, and this still sometimes happens, that I would be shaking because I was so nervous! Paul, the ultimate evangelist was a scaredy cat just like you and me. People always had a go at how he spoke. But that’s not what he was preaching.

You see, Paul was a powerful preacher because he preached Jesus crucified. He said he didn’t know anything but Christ crucified! It’s the same as our first point, Jesus died and rose to save us! That is the gospel! That is the good news! Paul didn’t preach with wise and persuasive words but by a demonstration of the Spirits power!

The Greek word used for power is dunamis from where we get dynamite and it means supernatural power, or miracle power! Paul didn’t have to preach fantastic because God backed him up in signs and wonders! People would be healed, demons would get kicked out, the lame would walk, the blind would see and the dead were raised! And because they see these things happen they believe the message!

Right now I’m seeing people from all over the world step out in faith and get the same results. I see it happening in the school I’m working in. People are getting healed, set free and saved! We don’t see these things happen because we don’t step out in faith, not because they don’t work. It is true that not all will be healed, but some will and Jesus has commanded us to preach, heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.

Paul was not superman. He had no special powers of himself. It was all God working through him. It was the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, and the same Holy Spirit that is in you. So, can we put this lie to death that you are not good enough?

You are good enough to be an evangelist, not because you are an extrovert, not because you are smart, not because you can speak well, but because Jesus has saved you and the Holy Spirit will back up your message.

So here’s the challenge. Preach a simple gospel, “Jesus saves.” Then heal the sick.

hEALING rEVIVAL

Wow. I am pumped. I've been watching some videos of a revival that is breaking out in Lakeland Florida. You have to check them out. www.freshfire.ca and google lakeland revival and also youtube and godtube lakeland revival...

God is moving powerfully these days and I believe we can all be part of the revival! God is willing to use anyone who is willing for supernatural ministry. Will you join in? Its as simple as stepping out in faith and praying for the sick...

Why pray for the sick you say? In 2 Corinthians 4:4 it says, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." It continues to say that we need to show that the power we have is not our own but Gods. Therefore, since you and I cannot heal, when we pray for healing and command healing it lifts the veil from their eyes as they see the awesome power of God at work. It doesn't have to be healing, as long as it is not of yourself and dependent on the power of God.

for all you skeptics and for those of you who need a pick me up, check out this video of x-ray proof of a healing... God is great!